Carnival Cruise Line will start sailing to North Africa in 2027, the first time the company will include visits to a region of the continent in its itineraries. According to a January 2026 press release, the cruise line shared that in 2027, Carnival Sunshine sailings will include the company’s “first-ever visits to African ports.” Stops will be in Tunis, Tunisia, and Tangier, Morocco.
From May through October 2027, the vessel will be departing from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia, Italy. The ship will visit new and familiar ports throughout Europe, as well as the named North African destinations. Among the new ports are Bari, Italy; Bar, Montenegro; and Ajaccio, France, according to the cruise line. Ports where the Carnival Sunrise is scheduled to return include Genoa, Salerno, Palermo, and Catania, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Izmir, Turkey.
For example, one seven-day itinerary will sail from Barcelona to Marseille, then to Naples, Palermo, and Tunis before returning. Meanwhile, a separate 13-day sailing also departs from Barcelona, then heads to Alicante, Málaga, Tangier, and Grand Turk before ending in Miami.
What To Know About Carnival Cruise Line’s Sailings In Africa?
Tunis is Tunisia’s capital and largest city. It’s a coastal hub on the Mediterranean Sea with a mix of cultural influences. The Medina of Tunis is a treasured United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site that uniquely captures Islamic history and architecture, with around 700 monuments and other significant buildings.
Tangier in Northern Morocco is another richly historical coastal city. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the city links Southern Europe and North Africa. It’s known for its stunning beaches, multiculturalism, and fresh seafood for foodies.
As a vessel, the 3,000-passenger Carnival Sunshine draws in guests with its WaterWorks, SportsSquare, dining options, and Cloud9 Spa. A sailing departing July 25, 2027, “will feature themed programming and onboard activities celebrating” August 2, 2027’s solar eclipse – and guests can expect optimal viewing experiences.
“We’re excited to bring Carnival Sunshine to an expanded lineup of destinations that offer our guests even more ways to explore Europe and beyond,” said the cruise line’s President, Christine Duffy, in a statement. “With our first-ever African ports, new European calls and once-in-a-lifetime eclipse sailing, this deployment delivers variety, adventure and memorable experiences our guests look forward to when sailing on Carnival.”
